This is the full 9-20-2015 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. 

On tonight’s episode we take a look at two important events which took place in Chicago over the past couple weeks.

First up on Labor Day this year, the annual Labor Day celebration in the Pullman community was especially celebratory given Pullman’s designation earlier this year as the Nation’s newest national monument.  The new designation raises the prominence of this tremendously important site in Labor History to a new level and will hopefully eventually bring with it federal dollars to preserve the communities landmarks and increase its educational potential.  We will hear about what the new designation means from a local resident and activist as well from a representative of the National Park service.

On Saturday, September 19th, a potentially very important event was held at UE Hall here in Chicago.  Organized by Railroad Workers United, it was the third in a series of conferences being held around the country to try to unit railroad workers, other supply chain workers, and community and environmental activists.  New possibilities for coalitions have arisen as of late, especially in regards to the fears of what environmental activist refer to as “bomb trains”.  These Bakken crude oil trains which carry oil extracted from tar sands operations in particular, have a high percentage of flammable gases and have a nasty habit of exploding when in an accident.  In July 2013 the Quebec town of Lac-Mégantic was basically destroyed when a train derailed and several Bakken oil cars exploded.  The accident killed 47 people and destroyed 30 buildings in the town.  Fear of these trains has become an opportunity for labor activist to unite around issues of increased safety on the rails.  We will hear from several of the conference participants on tonight’s program.

Labor Express Radio is Chicago's only English language labor news and current affairs radio program. News for working people, by working people. Labor Express Radio airs every Sunday at 8:00 PM on WLPN in Chicago, 105.5 FM. For more information, see our Facebook page...   facebook.laborexpress.org

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